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Tone-On-Tone-On-The-Move

I’m slightly obsessed with this tall, handsome and elegant man named Loi Thai and his store Tone on Tone. Thai and his partner Thomas Troeschel own the ultra chic antiques shop in Bethesda where everything is light and airy, gray and white, Swedish and French, divine and heavenly! Oh, to live in Maryland, I would haunt this place until they would have to call the police to have me removed for loitering. But since I don’t live anywhere near there, I have to be content with their fabulous web site, which is updated weekly with the best of their inventory – drool worthy for sure. And then, there are their houses. Last year Traditional Home showcased the house that Thai had lived in for years and recently had totally remodeled. The pictures showed up all over the blogosphere and for good reason. So imagine my sheer delight, and slight shock, when my bestie blogger friend, Things That Inspire (who has been turning out the best on the blog lately) told me that Thai’s NEWEST house was on the Washington Post web site. After a brief conversation over who was going to blog about it, because of course I was salivating all over the story, TTI most graciously said she wasn’t going to write about it – I could have it. That’s what friends are for. Keep smiling. I owe you one, TTI! So, to refresh your memory, let’s look first at the house that Thai had lived in since 1996, then recently totally remodeled. Then, we’ll look at his newest house – and you can decide which one you prefer. Before or After?

The early 1900s Edwardian townhouse in Washington D.C. was just a short 5 minute drive to Tone on Tone in Bethesda. The couple moved in in 1996, lived with its dark woodwork and floors until 2002 when they began a major overhaul of the townhouse. I love that lantern on the front porch.

Everything was stripped down to the basics. Moldings were removed and all was painted white or gray or a combination of the two – tone on tone. The floors were treated to a whitewash paint treatment used mostly in Sweden and Europe. A large mirror and the Swedish Mora clock are the main attractions in the entry hall.

A “before” picture – hard to imagine the couple lived with such dark woods for so long!

A 19th century Swedish secretary becomes a focal point. The green is picked up in the porcelains and the 17th century Dutch botanicals. This picture may be one of my favorite vignettes photographed last year! Just stunningly beautiful and perfect in its symmetry Love it!!!!!!!

The living room is pale green and gray. The green painted mirror is fabulous – as are the sconces flanking it. I really love the wire basket underneath the coffee table – the hint of industrial is a nice mix.

A large view showing the cream and khaki striped linen slipcovered armchairs. Notice the Swedish desk and chair in the library next door. Inset is another “before” picture.

Another view of the library – between the living room and the dining room. The chair is antique Swedish from Tone on Tone – as are all the antiques.

The dining room has antique Swedish chairs and a redesigned fireplace with limestone tiles. I love the curtains and the white column pedestal – so Swedish – usually there would be a white bust on such a pedestal.

The kitchen was completely redone with new cabinetry, though the hardware was replated in nickel. The tile floor was replaced with limestone pavers. The kitchen was expanded to make more room for the breakfast room.

The master bedroom with an Italian mirror and new limestone tiled fireplace.

The sleeping porch became the master bathroom with apricot tile – a colorful surprise in the mostly white and gray house.

So, last September – after being featured in Traditional Home - you would think that Thai and his partner would be happily settled their remodeled house forever, right? Well, two months after the remodeling was completed, Thai spotted this unusual for the neighborhood, 1916 Mediterranean stucco house with a green glazed tiled roof and large wraparound porch. Besides all that, the French doors and the house’s location on top a small hill, privately set back from the street, sealed the deal. Thai and his partner immediately bought the house and spent the next 18 months taking it down to the studs and totally reconfiguring its layout to suit their lifestyle. Four bedrooms became two, a large addition was added to the back to incorporate a new dining room, kitchen, sitting room and a much needed mud room for their two dogs. Additionally the front door was moved from the center of the house to the left side and a large terrace was added for them to enjoy the back yard.

New House: The green glazed tiles and Mediterranean style attracted Loi Thai to the house, just two short months after a long exhausting remodeling of his previous house was completed. The roof is very beautiful, isn’t it? And I love the white stucco. Which facade do you like better? This one or the other one:

Former House: The new house does seem more sophisticated doesn’t it? And it does somehow seem more suited for pale, Swedish antiques. OK, I can understand why Thai was drawn to it.

New Entry Hall: The entry hall – a new addition – surrounded by windows and a skylight. Is it prettier than their first house?

Former Entry Hall: it doesn’t seem fair to compare the two entry halls – the older one is prettier with all the antiques and the staircase. I’ll wait before I pass judgment!

New Living Room: Thai used all the same furniture which is wonderful – the furnishings are what I really loved about the house in the first place. This is very beautiful – the softly winding staircase with sisal – notice the beautiful iron handrail. The large French doors overlooking the front porch. Yes, this is prettier, I think, than the first house – but not much! Both places actually look beautiful to me. I’m beginning to think the privacy of the yard was a big selling point.

Across from the sofa is the Gustavian secretary with the birds and an antique clock which replaces the botanicals. Isn’t Thai the most graceful, elegant man?!!! He “fits” so well into this house! Notice the two Swedish chairs that were in the library are now flanking the secretary. Hmmm. This living room seems more sophisticated than the previous house – was that the attraction?

Which living room do you prefer – the new one or the former one:

Former Living Room: Hmmmm. Hard to say. I think I prefer the new one. I like the French doors leading outside. It seems more chic, larger and more open to the outdoors, which I like.

New Dining Room: The white column with a wire urn atop it now. The gray silk curtains made the move. Notice the beautiful column on the left that divides the dining room. Cute dog too!!!!

The new dining room with French doors leading to the back yard. Love, love, love! Notice the gorgeous console and mirror and the wonderful antique chairs. The picture above this one shows the left side of the dining room with the curtains and a Swedish day bed. Just beautiful!

The Former Dining Room: This is REALLY getting hard!!!!!!!!!!! I love these Swedish chairs too and this is a different table. I love the windows and curtains. And the fireplace – the old dining room might be prettier!! Do you agree? Well, don’t listen to me, because I am conflicted.

The New Kitchen: The new kitchen is all Carrara marble. Love that Swedish cabinet on the left. And those green industrial lights are fabulous. Thai mixed high and low – the chairs are from Crate and Barrel and the hardware came from Expo! I love this passage from the Washington Post interview with Thai about the Carrara marble:

"It's not for everyone, especially if you're worried about staining, because it's porous. But because we like things like that, things that are not perfect so we can put our own marks on it, we don't mind," he says while fastidiously wiping part of the countertop that appears spotless. "We're not there yet," he says with a laugh. "Give us six months."

The kitchen is no contest. The new one wins, hands down.

The Former Kitchen: No contest in my opinion. You may disagree!

New Breakfast Room: In the breakfast room – Thai mixes Target white dishes with antique creamware – a man after my own heart.

New Guest Room: With it’s corner Swedish cabinet and mercury glass, the room is so pretty. The desk chair came from Ikea! Wow! Isn’t this beautiful? Again, this room wins over the first house – though I do like the fireplace in the other house.

The Former Master Bedroom: Who knows? This might be prettier if we could see more of it. It could be a draw, I guess!

The New Mud Room: Thai’s favorite part of the new house – the wood beamed mud room where the dogs get cleaned up and fed. This is so charming.

The linen closet in the new house – are you surprised? Thai seems very fastidious to me, so this neat-as-a-pin area is what I would expect. Doesn’t he seem like an perfectly organized person? OK – time to judge, which is it?

The older house with the more traditional interior, smaller rooms, higher ceilings, and a front porch?

Or the newer house with the more updated interior, unique staircase, larger kitchen, mudroom, and a wrap around porch?

I vote for the new house myself. I want to make Loi Thai happy and I think that is what he would want me to say! In truth, both houses are gorgeous and I would be happy in either one!

Tone On Tone has a wonderful web site that is updated weekly. They also have a large Press section if you want to read all about the store and its owners. Go here to read it. Below are a few things I saw that I am lusting after:

19th century wall cupboard with green paint. Love this – want this!

Swedish clock cabinet – one day, one day!!!!

Vignette from Tone On Tone – don’t make me choose! The painting and statue look good enough, but that day bed – to die for!

French baker’s table – just like Lauren Ross’ – what a great side or coffee table!

Thai’s eye is incredible. There is not a stinker in the bunch. Just look at trumeau – it’s gorgeous.

Wrap up all four pieces, I’ll carry them out myself!

When I ever get my library, the first thing I want is a French library ladder – just like this. Not sure what those balls are??

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning all about Loi Thai and his fabulous houses and shop. I’m currently obsessed with the man and his taste which I think is superb and totally unique. I can’t wait until they move yet again – I’ll keep you posted!

To read the original story by Terri Sapienza in the Washington Post, go here. And there also is a fabulous side story with very interesting tips about decorating from Thai – including paint colors. A must read here!!!! Photography of the new house by Gordon Beall. Photographs of the older house by Erik Johnson.

You did a great job, Joni - and dug up some pictures that I have never seen.

After reading the WP article last week, I was firmly in the camp of the original house. The setting had an urban charm, and I loved the coziness of it. But, now that I have seen the additional pictures of the new house, I can see the charm there too - it is very light and airy with all of the windows and natural light, and the setting looks great.

I first visited Tone on Tone several years ago. My sister got quite a few pieces for her bay house from Loi. The store is incredibly beautiful - as the name of the store would indicate - lots of sisal, texture, neutrals, gorgeous antiques. Loi has been at the store every time I have been there; I wasn't nervous about chatting with him because that was before he was such a 'blog celebrity'! He is very nice, and we had quite a long discussion on tablescapes the last time I visited. Every vignette in his store is carefully thought out. Loi has a great eye for balance and proportion.

Hi Joni,What a beautiful post and what a gorgeous home. Too bad I'm half a world away otherwise I would drool and possibly hyperventilate if I was there in person to go and visit Loi in his shop!! After much scrolling up and down, I would have to say that the second house is my favourite. There is a sop-histication in the second home that has it over the 1st home. But in saying that I agree the 1st home was totally charming. Thanks for sharing and marking the days off on the calendar until you tell us more in regards to the Wheats!!! Have a wonderful day.Take Care

Love the latest version of the house. Thank you for introducing me to his fabulous shop.You were wondering about the Zinc spheres next to the ladder. i also sell them in my showroom , they are made in Belgium by WV( www.wrcollection.com)They make wonderful accessories. The collection also has replicas of the old french zinc finials.

Back again, forgot to comment on the breakfast room and the bedroom. The sideboard in the breakfast room is to die for!!!! And all the white crockery just sets it off to a tee. Oh and the bedroom, love that too (sigh). Better go and leave some room for everyone else to comment. Do you think I could talk about interiors under water Joni????

Just beautiful!!! I love the new home, the light seems better...all those windows etc...!!! The only room I liked better in the older home is the dining room. Another wonderful post Joni...how do you keep doing this? Blog perfection!!!!

I don't know how you do it day after day!! I am always fascinated by your Blog and can hardly wait in the morning to get to my computer to find the your latest post. You are absolutely amazing!! Thank you!

Well, What's behind curtain #1 or curtain #2? What a truly lovely tale of two homes! Just beautiful, and it would be a hard cloice being both homes are so completely different, there are parts of each house that I would covet! What lucky ducks who can peruse this shop on a weekly, ( huh, I mean daily)schedule!Thanks again joni, it was a feast for the eyes!Leslie

Good morning Joni, J and I just looked through this post. We both agree, we love the second house, although we like the first one,too.

You won't believe this, or maybe you will, coming from me...we are in the first stages of overhauling the master suite. I know, it's barely been a year and a half since the last redo, but oh well.

The guest room of the second house is the look I'm going for. This post helps so very much. We began the redo last week, when I mentioned clearing the windows of existing covering. I thought I was going to be vetoed, but was pleasantly surprised with J's agreement. I will be using bamboo, for privacy, and go from there. The color "scheme" in both these homes is exactly what I have in mind for our room. I hope I can achieve my goal.

Joni - as always an informative, gorgeous post - which is why I'm handing on a little blog award to you. Your blog may not be the type that would participate in this "chain" of awards, but I wanted you to have it nonetheless. I linked it to my fave post in which you wrote on Dorothy Draper.

What a tough call! Both houses are beautiful. However, I think the first house has the edge over the second - apart from the mud room. What wouldn't I give to have a room like that?!

I'm not entirely convinced by what Thai's done with the Swedish secretary in the second house. Don't ask me why; I don't know very much at all about interior design. But the way that he picked up the green of the secretary in the porcelains and botanicals in the first house was truly divine. I can see why it may well be one of your favourite vignettes!

What a beautiful collection of photos from two very beautiful homes. I think I might have found my dream house ... I plan on stalking it until I'm arrested! LOL! Love all the white woodwork! We were on a garden tour yesterday (where I spotted my dream house) and we went with a new group of friends. I had never been to their house, but I went in yesterday, and WOW! They have a house about 3x the size of ours, but they have the most gorgeous white woodwork, and all of their furniture (which is nice, but not that nice) looks great in all of their rooms! I just wanted to hit Scott across the face! LOL! j/k, not really! :)

I'd move into either one! After seeing the pictures of the first house, I thought it couldn't get much better, but I think I prefer the second one. It is a little cleaner and almost contemporary in feel. I seem to be looking for that feeling lately. The new kitchen and dining room are just stunning. Wonderful post, Joni.

first off, wonderful post! Been to the store more than once - quite austere but lovely - the first DC house is mere blocks from where I grew up - nostalgia time!The second house - looks like Chevy Chase or Friendship Heights DC as well - Bethesda has other wonderful stores, Joni, perhaps you need to do a road trip!!

Brillant posting -- once again!! Thanks for starting the week with such gorgeous homes -- honestly -- I've spent nearly an hour just gazing at these wonderful homes! What a blessing for these owners -- to be so elegant themselves and have such gracious homes. Sigh. True artists in every sense.

I'm ooohing and ahhhhing, drooling with envy and happily daydreaming about how to implement some of this yumminess into my home. I couldn't choose one over the other - isn't it great that "different" can still mean design equality.Bonnie-claire

Oh, Joni, great job on this post (as always). I've been going back and forth between the homes and just love them both for different reasons. I am so drawn to how beautiful things can look when the colors are pared down and things are simplified. Everything looks stunning!

Hey, Joni, these are some beautiful pics. Gorgeous eye candy. I'm behind this week with reading cause I've been so busy. I just moved my blog to Wordpress & have my own domain now, so would you pretty please change your link out on your sidebar to reflect my new address:

I either like or dislike Swedish design... shhh - Don't tell my Mom who was an Interior designer and 100% Swedish! ha ha

It either looks too sparse for me - or it looks clean and inviting. I get hung up on sentimental items (some call it clutter!) and that obviously does not fit into the true Swedish concept. Love pickeling for wood treatment.

I swear, Joni, YOU are the blogger that gives my heart an attack each time I visit. oh my. Love both of these. Heck, I'd settle for one of these rooms. with a tiny backyard attached.thanks...made my day.xoxo Lidy

Dang! Now I want to go strip anything with color out of my house! What a sophisticated and serene look this is (in both houses). I'm wondering what he did with those dining chairs from the first house - probably put them in his store where they were immediately snapped up by some savy shopper. Oh, and I really want one of those French library ladders. I'm off to check out his site. Thanks Joni for all of the wonderful worlds you share. If I didn't read your blog, I would live in my little world, knowing nothing about these most of these designers. Coming to your blog is always an adventure and an education. laurie

Hi, Joni, thank you for a wonderful post on Loi Thai! I'd go for house #2. It is so appealing....so light and ballanced and it feels serene and yet it is an exciting interior. We all seem to be grasping for light and texture and oxygen in our present interiors, don't you think? Looking at the dark floors with all the other dark woodwork looks so very, very dated. It is as dramatic a change as my Grandmother's Victorian, dark spaces and my Mother's Art Deco!Thank you again....

Not only a man of great style but a great gentleman too. I'm lucky enough to live not a mile from Tone on Tone as I do from my own working headquarters at the Kellogg Collection. Yes, we're getting very chic here in DC. You need to come for a visit, as your making so many friends and fans here in DC. Cheers Homer.

Well Joni, first of all I was struck by what you said about "Things that inspire" she is quite a lady! In the blogosphere I found at times upsetting things...this story brings back some balance and some fairness! Secondly these houses are gems and the way you describe them makes them even more special. If I choose one will I have it for a month? then I'll take the new.

Hmmm... that is difficult! Both are so fantastically gorgeous. I'll cheat and say "it depends" :) If we're talking about which house is the most elegant and impressive - the 2nd one. It's my vote for a magazine spread type house. But, if we're talking about which house is the most charming and personal - I think the 1st house takes the lead. It's my vote for a "what a perfect home to wake up to each day". Possibly, the difference is just that they had lived in the first house for a while before those photos were taken. The new house is still "new", and I think more time just living in it will add in more of that personal element that the older home seemed to have.

Or it could be that I just really like the smaller spaces of a traditional layout ;) Wonder what the house would've looked like if they hadn't knocked out walls(?).

Another killer post Joni!!!Im all for the new house. While the first one had great light the new one just pushed it soo much further & I also agree the kitchen is just another level of divine too.My mom has decided on the marble for her counter tops & back splash but the work island where she preps she's going with another surface for your exact reasons. Oh & behind the stove a mosaic...nothing too fussy, so not mom at all.She loved your idea of the white granite but can not find a slab she loves ....

You're right to drool! I particularly like the tone of green with the gilt on the furniture and mirrors. I'm guessing Thai is from Thailand? Thanks for the intro; I will be scanning their website frequently.

...i don't think one is more beautiful than the other...they are simply different...each lovely and unique in its own right...having said that...I prefer the first house..but the second house seems to fit personalities and interior choices for the owners...

Oh that bench with arms!! I so enjoy your designer profiles Joni...and TTInspire is definately a daily read for me. You both do so much research, and I appreiciate the amount of work it takes to get it so right! Thanks

This profile is especially stunning! Love Loi's work. Some people just exude style, don't they?

So pretty.... but OK, I will say it. As a historic preservationist, I weep to see him paint 100 year old woodwork in the entry. My woodwork is all dark, as well, and although some have told me to get over it and paint it, I can't. The flaming on the wood is amazing and Steven would kill me to cover wood that has been pristine for 100 years.

Hi Joni, being Swedish and working with historical interior decorating and antiques, it's is somehow tricky for me to get the right feeling, even though I agree they're doing a great job on their houses.

Mixing cultures is always a fine line....both ways. Also very interesting.

I must admit that the new kitchen is really great and has the fine mix of materials, typical for a traditional style in Sweden.

GO LOOK AT THE WEBITE - www.kvanum.com ( also in english) to have a look at traditional kitchens over here.

I think I like the old house better but the new one is much more airy and brings out the light to expose the interior in a lustrous way.

There was some comment on paint on these old furniture....let's hope they at least used old techniques, such as linseed oil ...etc etc.

I found your blog a few days ago and I like it very much, just like the name you gave it. I am from Amsterdam - Holland and want to let you know that Gustavian furniture is very popular here. It often replaces the antiques we all know for years. The ton sur ton is one of my rules to furnish a house, another one is Less is More. Here are some links to Gustavian furniture in Europe.

http://www.allinwood.se/se/AIW_Furniture.aspx?id=2

Click thumbnails to enlarge. This furniture is new, but it's still very elegant.

http://www.nijepoorte.nl/Nije+Poorte/nl-NL/collectie.aspx

This is a link to an other collection.

The Gustavian style is a superb combination of elegant chic and rural austerity.The authentic Gustavian style dates back to the 18th century and is named after the Swedish King Gustav III, a lover of French and Italian architecture and the neo-classical style. Talented French and Swedish architects and decorators built for him the Haga Pavilion and furnished the Gripsholm Castle, which still belongs to the Swedish Royal Family.

The sober Swedes removed all the excessive ornaments of the furniture thus creating the simple (plain)and elegant style which has become so famous in and outside Sweden. Swedish craftsmen did not use the exspensive mahogany wood but the much cheaper pine wood which was present in abundance and painted the furniture in light shades of gray and white to brighten up their homes in their dark climate. They used self woven (checked or striped)or leather upholstery.

gosh, what a treat, I absolutely LOVE the glazed tile roof. Those planters are the perfect counterpoint to them. I covet the trumeau mirror HUGELY! Love the whole tone on tone new concept. So much sophistication and lack of clutter.

Both are so gorgeous it's impossible to say which is my favorite. Since we recently purchased a home built in 1900 that looks more like the first home, I want so badly to like that one best...but the new one is pretty amazing too. Especially the exterior. I love the green roof, the stucco...what's not to love? Oh and to be that organized...I like to think I am until I see a pantry like that.

I saw your post mentioned on Velvet and Linen today :) though I read your blog every day anyway but have only been a reader since I got married and started "nesting" 15 months ago. :) I must say I prefer the old house. Hands down. Sorry Loi. I like everything about the new house, a lot, but honestly the old house is so much warmer. I guess I'm happy he's moved into his new beautiful home so his older home (well, in 2009) was passed along to another adoring fan of beautiful, detail treasured homes. Thanks Joni!!

I just came over from Velvet & Linen! This was a fab post. I've only got to know Loi recently but I am a HUGE fan of his new blog and his work I've seen already and he himself is a lovely person! Didn't realize he is so famous until I read Brooke's post and now yours!! Did you see his latest post on a house he worked on? - it's sublime, the epitome of restrained elegance. With Loi, less is definitely more! Re his old house and new house - I love both. The old home is stunning - particularly love the hallway - prob because I badly want a Mora clock! but the second house wins it for me. The kitchen, mudroom and larger private garden in the new house would have made me move too! Also, love the French doors and the more spacious rooms in the second house which have a better connection to the garden - yep that would do it for me! Having said that, I'd be happy to live in any house where Loi had worked his magic!